Let’s start with this: saying a book having tropes means it’s bad is not only insulting to readers and writers–it also shows a fundamental lack of understanding about tropes, what they are, and how they function in stories.
There is no such thing as “stories with tropes” and “stories without tropes.” ALL STORIES HAVE TROPES. Stories without tropes simply do not exist.
Tropes =/= clichés. Yes, some tropes can ALSO be clichés. But tropes in and of themselves are not cliché. And whether you like it or not, tropes serve a really important function in novels. EVERY novel.
In this workshop, you’ll learn:
- what a trope is
- the function of tropes in genre fiction
- how to use (and subvert) tropes to hook your readers
- where to find tropes in your story and resources to help you get the most out of them
Curriculum
- 1 Section
- 3 Lessons
- Lifetime
- Tropes with Jeni ChappelleComplete all the lessons.3
Instructor
Jeni Chappelle is an independent editor and writing instructor. She has helped more than two hundred books into the world with major publishers, small presses, and indie authors, including bestselling and award-winning authors. A late-diagnosed AuDHD eldest daughter/former gifted kid, Jeni has been called a word wizard and a book doula but considers herself a hobbit (minus the hairy feet) and lives in NC with her family and way too many pets: two dogs, seven cats, and an aquatic turtle.
Stop guessing. Start deciding.
Grounded publishing guidance
For a limited time, get my core revision and querying toolkit
• Query template
• Synopsis template
• Flexible beat sheet
• Filler and filter word list
You’ll also get clear, concrete insights on the market, craft, querying, and revision to help committed novelists decide what to do next, based on my work with thousands of manuscripts and writers just like you.
Practical tools. Market-aware insight. Clear next steps.